TO speak more of the Original of this People, than that they are descended from the Loines of their great Grand­father Adam, however divers worthy men, have their divers Sentiments; I shall not pretend; but that they are Origi­nally of one Language is most evi­dent: Language. nor is the admired knowledge of those Ancients so admirable, for their ready speaking more than Twenty Languages which may rationally be supposed to have been, but one Originally; though suffering some change, by ocasional accidents: we know, the divers pronouncing of the same words, without dif­ference in Dialect, may render the speaker hardly intelligible, to him that writes alike with him; nor do I think the speech of these A­mericans so divers, but that an Indian who is [Page 6] [...] with his own, [...]ay by [...] supposed of a [...] and [...] Express himself in very few [...] to be well understood by Forty [...] Nations; who by reason of Wars, the [...] of [...] and Commerce, and the advan­tage, other Nations here [...]ad by Literature; [...] severally suffered much alteration of that Language, [...] first indifferently spoken by all, [...] yet is not more, differing, than the pre­sent Language of the English, from their speech not many hundred years since; which although it would not readily be understood, by a present [...], if he should speak with his great Grand-father, who than lived, yet hath not [...]o altered, but no long Converse, might render them mutually intelligible. Of words not un­like in the Indian Tongue hardly intelligible without customary discourse of Nation with Nation, I might instance in above an hundred; such as Nuppaw, Duppaw, Ruppaw, the Sun, [...] Abtooque &c. a Deer, [...] Wirrit, Good, and the like, Pum, Pum me, Pim, Oyl or Fat, these and the like, were doubtless the same words, little altered; beside which, the alone difference in Pronouncing the same word, might seem a great difference in the Speech or Lan­guage; for Example, Wirrit pronounced short, sounds Writ, and might be not less readily un­derstood, by differently accenting the same word; to which I might add, words, as such, [Page 7] Expressing the mind of the speaker, being [...] of other words, suitable for such Com­po [...]tion, yet as such might be called now, or distinct from a speech in former use▪ of which words, near the one half of this Peoples Lan­guage is. I have been the larger concerning their Language, that such English whose [...] may incline to so good and great a work, may be incouraged, to go among those who [...] have hardly heard the Name of the LORD, named among them.

Their Government was purely Monarchical [...] and as for such whose dominions extended further than would well admit the Princes per­sonal guidance, it was committed into the hands of Lieutenants, [...] who Governed with no less abso­luteness, than the Prince himself: notwithstand­ing in matters of difficulty, the Prince Consulted with his Nobles, and such whom he esteemed for Wisdom; in which it was admirable to see the Majestick deportment of the Prince, his Speech to his Council, with the most deliberate dis­cussion of any matter proposed for their advice; after which what was by him resolved, with­out the least hesitation was applauded, and with at lest a seeming Alacrity attended.

The Crown (if I may so term it) alwayes descended to the Eldest Son (though Subject to [Page 8] usurpation) not to the Female, unless in de­fect of a Male of the Blood; the Blood Royal, [...] being in such Veneration among this People, that if a Prince had issue by divers Wives, such Succeeded as Heir who was Royally descended, by the Mother, although the Youngest, esteem­ing his issue by a Venter of less quallity than a Princess, not otherwise than Sachims or Noble­men.

Their Nobles were either such who descended from the Blood Royal, or such on whom the Prince bestowed part of his do­minions with the Royalties, Nobles. or such whose descent was from Ancestors, who had time out of mind been Esteemed such.

Their Yeomen were such who having no stamp of Gentility, were yet esteemed as having a natural right of living within their Princes dominion, [...] and a Common use of the Land, and were distinguished by two Names or Titles, the one signifying Subjection, the other, Tiller of the Land.

Although this People retained nothing of Record, nor use of Letters, Villians. yet there lived among them many Fa­milies, [Page 9] who although the time of their Fore­fathers first inhabiting among them, was beyond the Momory of man, yet were known to [...] strangers or For [...]igners, who were not Priv [...]ledg­ed with Common Right, but in [...] measure Subject to the Yeo [...]anry, no [...] were not dignified, in attending the Prince, in Hunting or like Exer­cise; unless called by particular favour.

The Princes, as they had not other Revenue, than the Presents of their Subjects (which yet was counted, Due debt) Wrecks of the Sea, Reven [...]; with the Skin's of Beasts killed in their dominion, and many like things, as First Fruits, &c. so they wanted none; For in case of War, both People and Estate was wholly at their dispose; therefore none demanded nor Expected Pay. If we res­pect their Court, it was doubtless maintained in great Magnificence, in distinction from the Sub­ject, which is the utmost can be obtained by the greatest Monarch; their Families, and attendants being well Cloathed, with Skins of Moos, Bear, Deer, Beaver, and the like: The Provisions for their Tables, as Flesh, Fish, Ro [...]ts, Fruits, Berries, Corn, Beanes, in great abundance and variety, was always brought by their Neighbouring Subjects; of all which they were as void of Care, as the most Potent Princes in the Universe.

[Page 10] As the Prince was acknowledged, Absolute L [...]rd on the Land, so he had no less Soveraignty at Sea: for as all belonged to him, [...] on Sees. which was stranded on the Shore of his Sea-Coast, so whatever Whales or other Wreck of Value, float­ing on the Sea, taken up, on the Seas washing his Shores, or brought and Landed, from any part of the Sea, was no less his own.

I shall conclude this brief account of the In­dians in general with what long since pasted be­tween the late much Honoured, Mr. Thomas Mayhew, and an Indian Prince, who ruled a large part of the Maind land.

This Prince coming to Martha's Vineyard, with his usual attendants, being about Eighty Per­sons, well Armed, came to Mr. Maybew's House, [...] and being ad­mitted, sat down; Mr. Mayhew entred the Room, but being acquainted with their Customes, took no notice of the Prince's being there (it being with them in point of Honour incumbent on the Inferiour to Salute the Superiour:) a considerable time being past the Prince broke Silence, and [...], Sachem (a word importing in their Language not more than, Noble, or Worshipful) Mr. Mayhew, are you well? to which having a Friendly reply; and treating of several things, and of the Island [Page 11] Martha's Vineyard, being Peopled with English; the Prince desiring something wherein the Eng­lish were concerned, Mr. Mayhew promising to effect what he desired; immediately Subjoyned, that he must First speak with the Inhabitants: the Prince demanded why he recalled his Promise; for said he, What I Promise or Speak it alwayes true, but you English Governours, cannot be true, for you can't make your words nor intentions true; but mine are alwayes true, for I make them true; greatly disdaining the Popular Government of the English in this Country.

Having Promised an account of the Conversion of many Indians Inhabiting these parts of America, it may well be Expected I should say something of their Religion, while Heathen.

They generally acknowledged and worship­ped Many gods; therefore greatly esteemed and reverenced their Priests, Powaws or Wizards, Religion who were esteemed as having immediate converse with the gods: to them therefore they addressed them­selves in all difficult cases: yet could not all that desire that dignity (as they esteemed it) obtain Familiarity with the Infernal Spirits; nor were all Pawaw's alike Successfull in their ad­dresses: but they become such either by im­mediate Revelation, or in the use of certain Rites and Ceremonies, Tradition had left as means con­ducing to that end: insomuch that Parents [Page 12] often out of certain Zeal dedicated their Children to the gods, and Educated them ac­cordingly, observing certain Diet, debarring Sleep &c. yet of the many thus designed, but few obtained their desire.

Supposing that where the Practice of Witch­craft has been highly esteemed, there may be given the plainest demonstration, of Mortals having Familiarity with Infernal Spirits; I am willing to let my Reader know that not many years since, dyed here one of the Powaw's, who never pretended to Astrological knowledge, yet could precisely inform such who desire his Assistance, from whence Goods Stolen from them were taken, and whither carryed; with many, things of the like nature: nor was he ever known to indeavour the concealing, his knowledge, to be immediately from a god Subservient to him, that the English worshipped. This Powaw being by an English man, worthy of Credit (who late­ly informed me of the same) desired to ad­vise him, who had Stolen certain Goods which he had lost, having formerly been an eye wit­ness of his ability; the Powaw after a little pausing, demanded why he requested that from him, since himself served another God, that therefore he could not help him; but added, If you can believe that my god will help you, I will try what I can do; which diverted the man from further inqui [...]y. I must a little digress, and tell my Reader that this Powaws [Page 13] wife was accounted a Godly Woman, and lived in the practise and profession of the Christian Religion, not only by the approbation, but in­couragement of her Husband; She constantly Prayed in the Family, and attended the Publick Worship on the Lords Day's: he declared that he could not blame her, for that she Served a God that was above his; but that as to himself, his gods continued kindness, ob­liged him not to forsake his Service.

That the Powaw's by the Infernal Spirits often killed Persons, caused Lameness and Impo­tency, as well as shewed their Art in perform­ing things, beyond Humane, by Diabolick Skill, such who have conversed much among them have had no reason to question.

Their Practice was, either by desiring the Spirit to them appearing to perform, what mis­chief they intended; or to form a piece of Leather like an Arrow head, tying an hair there­to: or using some Bone, as of Fish (that it might be known Witchcraft, to the bewi [...]ched) over which they performed certain Ceremonies; and dismissed them to Effect their desire. Such In [...]hanted things, have most certainly, either en­tered the Bodies of the intended to be by them wounded; or the Devil hath formed the like, within their Flesh, without any outward breach of the Skin; which we have good reason to be­lieve; the Powaw's acknowledging that practice; and such things having been taken out of the [Page 14] Flesh, of the supposed to be bewitched. Or, by their Seizing something of the Spirit (as the Devil made them think) of such they intended to Torment or kill, while it wan­dered, in their Sleep: this they kept being in Form of a Fly, closely imprisoned; and according as they dealt with this, so it Fared with the Body it belonged to▪

Of the Cures performed by them, on the Bewitch­ed; I could give many instances; I shall brief­ly bint at two.

The one, of an Indian on Martha's Vineyard; called afterward [...], who having been some time greatly Tormented, and now wholly im­potent; his Friends advise him to the Pow­aw's, concluding him to be Bewitched; they being met, and dancing round a great Fire, the Sick lying by; some of the Neighbours en­tered the House, being perswaded that a great Powaw, now called to cure, had bewitched the Sick▪ they threaten him that as he had Be­witched, unless he would Cure the Sick man, they would burn him in that fire; after many Excuses, too long here to relate, they took him up, resolving at least to a little Singe him; who no sooner felt the heat of the fire near him, but the Sick immediately recovered; This was a thing Publickly known to the Eng­lish, as well as Indians, in the Neighbourhood: there can be no doubt of it.

[Page 15] The other I shall instance in, was a Rela­tion from Capt. Thomas Dagget Esq. now de­ceased, and Richard Sarson Esq. Justices of the Peace; who being on an Island, where a Bewitched Woman lay in great Extremity and wholly impotent: the Powaw's there having without Success indeavoured the Cure; the re­lated sent to Martha's Vineyard, for more famoused Powaw's: the said Gentlemen, were admitted to be present, on certain conditions; the Pow­aw's, goe to dancing; who with the Specta­tors, used certain Ceremonies usual in such cases; one of the Powaw's Praying to his god, with such ardent desires and fervency, that Capt. Dagget told me, had it been to the true God, it had been a Prayer Ex­ceeding most that he had heard: the issue was, they in a Deer Skin caught the Spirit (as they said) which entered the Woman; this they said was the Spirit of an Englishman drowned in the Adjacent Sound: yet it was then supposed, the Powaw was by, which bewitched her: the issue was, she immediately reco­vered: the Powaw told her, unless she removed to Martha's Vineyard, she would again be Sick, for being an English Spirit be could not long confine it.

THE Worshipful Thomas Mayhew in the year 1641. having obtained a grant of Martha's Vineyard, Nantuket and Elizabeth Isles, to make a Settlement; his Son Mr. Thomas Mayhew in the year 1642. Settled at Martha's Vineyard, with a few other inhabitants, where his Reputation for Piety, his natural gifts, beside the acquired by his Education (having attained no small knowledge in the Latin and Greek Tongues, and being not wholly a Stranger [Page 17] to the Hebrew) soon Occasioned his call to the Ministry among that handful. Not long after Viz. in the year 1644. God who had Ordained him an Evangelist, for the Conversion of these Gentiles, stirred him up with an Holy Zeal and Resolution, to Assay what Success he might find in that work; he takes opportunity to insinuate, the Love and good will [...]e bor [...] to that People, and soon finds Occasion to let them know their D [...]plorable Condition, under Satan, who as he had kept them in Ignorance of those Bodily and Earthly things, which might render their Lives in this World more happy; so of those that related to their Future happi­ness in that to come. And whereas he could not be in hopes of being heard in a more [...], he Treats them in a more Private way; sometimes going to some particular Houses, of Persons whom he esteemed most Rational and Well qualified, other while discoursing with par­ticular men. The first Indian imbracing the motion of forsaking their gods, and Praying to the true God, was called I a-co [...]mes; Esteem­ed by the Indians as a contemptible Person among themselves; unto this man, God who ordereth all things for His own Glory, gave so great a measure of Faith and Confidence in His Power, that he is soon beyond the fear of Concealing his Contempt of their gods: the Sachems and Powaw's being much inraged, threaten his Life; the Powaw's or Wizzards [Page 18] told him (a thing Publickly known) that he could not be ignorant, that they could kill such as displeased them, Viz. by Witchcraft: he, answers for himself before the Sachimes, Witches, and a great Assembly; acknowledges the god they Worshipped had great Power, but Limited, and was Subservient to the God he now had chosen; therefore although by their means many had suffered much, and some were killed, he despised their power, as being himself a Servant of Hun, whose Power over­ruled all Powers, and ordered all things: the Expecting multitude wait the event, which while they Concluded, to be Sickness or Death; the good man remaines wholly Sound to their astonishment▪ Mr. Mayhew makes use of this advantage, is unces [...]ant in his labour, and Pro­mises, Now while they Stumbled in doubt of their own, to set them in the Right Path; he spares not his Body by Night nor Day, lodges in their Houses, propose, such things to their Consideration he thinks firstly requisite, solves all their Scruples and Objections; and tells them, they might plainly see, it was in good will, for▪ their good, from whom he Expected no reward, that he sustained so much loss of time, and [...] wet and cold. It pleased God to give such Success to these indeavours, that it was not long before he obtained Pub­lick Audience among them, when generally, he [...] more time after Sermon in reasoning [Page 19] with them, than in Sermon, whereby I must tell my Reader, it came to pass, that their Religion was as well in Head as Heart. This worthy Servant of the Lord continued his pain­full Labours among them untill the year, 1657. in which time, God was pleased to give such Success to his faithfull and unwearied Labour, that many hundred men and women, were added to the Church; such who might truely be said to be Holy in Conversation, and for knowledge such who needed not to be taught the first Principles of Religion; beside the many hundred of looser Professors of which, that such worthy Christians, whose godly Zeal, for Propagating the Gospel, to such who sat in Darkness and saw no Light, provoked an holy Emulation, to compass Sea and Land, by their liberal Contributions for Prosel [...]ting the Heathen, to the Service and Worship of the Lord Je­sus (who yet Survive) might rejoyce, since that, God gave a Blessing to, and caused a Plentiful harvest to Succeed their Sowing in these Waters▪ and that the Successors and Children of those ever to be Honoured de­ceased Christians might rejoyce, that their Predecessors Religious intent, in giving freely of their Worldly Goods, to advance the Work for Salvation of Souls, was so far from de­minishing [...] Estates; that they thereby [...] to their Childrens Children▪ [Page 20] I shall give a true Relation, of the Progress, and present State, of the undertaking, and Gods blessing following the indeavours of those he called, for Converting the Indians, on Martha's Vineyard and Adjacent Isles; by letting the World know, who, and how qualified these were who were Esteemed Christians.

When such a Number professed the Christian Religion, as gave Occasion to the Indians in gene­ral to Esteem them a Sect differing from them­selves, and by the denomination of, Praying men, to Signalize that difference; and that their Number was such as to Meet Publickly to Wor­ship God: such who forsook their Heathenish Worship and Idolatry, professing to become Christians: in the Publick Assembly declared, the grounds and reasons moving them to im­brace the one, and forsake the other way, with their Resolution to Pray, to Serve, and in­deavour to Over the true God in Jesus Christ; how this Resolution was wrought in them; what Temptations had obstructed, what Reason, Scripture and Strength from God had incouraged them, and inabled them to retain such Reso­lution▪ how, they had often Prayed to God, and yet been overcome by discouragements, and Temptations &c. Closing all with profes­sing a Resolution, by Gods Assistance, to Pray to, and Serve Him and Him onely; begging the Prayers of the Congregation to God in [Page 21] their behalf: which said, many of the Con­gregation took them by the hand, in token of love, and good will. If after such Pub­lick Profession, any was observed not to per­form the usual Worshipping of God, in Pray­ing with their Families, desiring a Blessing on their Food, or the like (who yet in their Publick meeting constantly attended) they were Publickly Examined of the same: Of which let me give a remarkable instance: One who after his Admission (if I may so term it) into the Number and Society of the Praying Indians, being present at a great As­sembly, after the Exercise, was by him that Preached, informed that it was reported, he had ceased to Pray, desired him, to let [...] Congregation know, what grounds and mo­tives occasioned such neglect; the man answer­ed, It was true, he had not lately used Publickly to Pray; yet did sometimes Pray Privately; that he did not in his judgement disapprove the Service of God, but acknowledged it to be good; but found himself weak; not able to live up to Rules of that Religion: but when God should give him more Strength, he hoped he should be again a Praying man.

Thus Mr. Mayhew continued his almost in expressible labour and vigilant care for [...] good of the Indians, whom he justly esteemed, his Joy and Crown and having seen so great [Page 22] a Blessing on his faithful indeavours in the making known the Name of his Lord among th [...]se Gentiles, with indefatigable pains, ex­pecting no reward, but alone from Him, who said; Goe teach all Nations, Le I am with you: God moved the hearts of some Godly Christians in England to advance a Considerable Sum for incouraging the Propagating, and Preach­ing the Gospel to the Indians in New-England: and seeing the Spirit given to Sundry of the Indians, with the gift of Prophesying; according to the Pro [...]se, given by Him who Ascended and gave gifts unto men; an able Godly English man, named Peter Foulger, who was imployed in teaching the Youth in Read­ing, Writing, and the Principles of Religion, by Catechising; and being well Learned in the Scripture, able to assist them in what might be needfull▪ his Honoured Father, the Governour, well skilled in their Language, and highly honouring the work for their Conversion; whereby, if in his absence, any difficult matter might happen, they might find suitable Assistance: in the year 16 [...]7. he intended a Short Voyage for England; but alas, the Ship wherein he took Passage was never heard of; Thus [...] to an Immature Death, Mr. Mayhew, who was so Affectionate­ly esteemed of by the Indians, that many years after, he was seldom [...] without Tears.

[Page 23] Mr. Thomas Mayhew, after the loss of his son, as aforesaid: Seeing no such [...] probably to be obtained, that might invite a Minister to imbrace the work among the In­dians; and little hopes of finding any of the Spirit of his Son, or Mr. ELIOT; to bear the burthe [...] attending, and in that day of necessity to be undergone [...] without a prospect of more than could well be expected, for incouraging to so in it self-troublesome [...]mploy; and that his onely Son, had spent his Strength, and yet rejoyced in the mid'st of those many Aches, Pain's and Distempers, contracted by his often lodging in their cold houses, and induring Wet and Cold, in faith of Gods accepting of, and prospering him in that, whereunto he could see nothing could rationally move him; concludes that it was, Of God, and not of man; he therefore resolves to Visit and incourage them often; he goes once every Week to some of their Plantations; and with the Assistance of Godly Indians who taught and instructed their Neighbours, on the Lords Day's perswaded the Indians of the Gay head, who many years, were obstinately re­solved not to admit the Glad-Tidings of the Gospel among them (being animated by the Sachims of the Continent) now to imbrace it; so that now the Indians on the Islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantuket, might justly bear [Page 24] the denomination of Christian: the number of Adult Persons on both Islands, being a­bout three thousand; of which I have taken the more particular care to make an Exact Computation, that I might Vindicate Mr. Cotton Mather, from the Imputation of over­reckoning, when in the Life of Mr. Eliot, he reckons the number supposed on Martba's Vineyard professing the Christian Religion to be Sixteen hundred.

The Indians being thus brought over to the acknowledgment and profession of the Christian Religion; and many of them desiring to joyn in such Communion, whereby they might in­joy the presence of God in all His Ordinances; Mr. Mayhew and Mr. John Cotton (now Pastor of the Church of New-Plymouth) who having been sometime Preacher to the Eng­lish, had attained, some knowledge in the In­dian Tongue, and Preached unto them two years; being well Satisfied with their suitable qualifications, after mature Consideration and advice, concluded to give their help and As­sistance thereto; which was happily accomp­lished, to the good Satisfaction of the English Church, and Godly Professors of the Island, who by advantage of many years acquaintance with them, had great Experience of their qua­lifications. An Indian Church Confederated, at Martha's Vineyard. Aug. 22. 1670.

[Page 25] Mr. Mayhew by Mr. Cotton's removing from the Island, was left alone as to any English Assistance: but Mr. John Mayhew his grand­son, being called to Preach to a small Peo­ple; by the urgent and ardent desires of the Indians; and being well skilled in their Lan­guage, complyed with them; and once e­very week Preached at some of their Planta­tions. His diligence was now to be [...], especially after Mr. Mayhew his [...] Death, in the year 1681. by reason [...] certain Heterodox oppin [...], likely to take [...] them; and being a man of great [...] parts, he used to desire such who had [...] any of those Principles, to produce their Reasons; as likewise any that desired to be resolved in any matter, to give him ad [...]an­tage to resolve them in Publick; that others might receive Satisfaction and Instruction; whereby I believe and know, that they re­ceived more Conviction, Instruction and Sa­tisfaction, than in the ordinary way of Preach­ing; which alwayes notwithstanding preceed­ed that: insomuch that none, of those Erro­neous Oppimons spread to the disturbance, or unsettlement of the Church, nor general [...]ity of professors among them: but having finished what God in His all wise Providence, saw good to improve him in; he deceased in the year 1688. leaving the Indians (if I might [Page 26] now so term them) in an orderly way of Religiously Congregating, in their several As­semblies on the Lords Day, and hearing their several Teachers, who usually began with Pray­er, Sang part of a Psalm, then from some Por­tion of Scripture spake for the Conversion and Edification of his hearers: as also a Church which then or soon after consisted of at least One hundred Communicants, being according to the most strict Order of the Congregational Way: Which leads me to say something of the Discipline used among them.

The Church then are a Selected Company of Professing Believers, in Covenant according to the Congregational Practice, having Officers ac­cordingly; and keeping up the Exercise of a severe Discipline, by Publick Admonition in case of the disorderly walking of any mem­ber of their Society; and if after the Re­proof and Admonition of the Church, any proceed in their evil Courses, such are pro­ceeded with by Excommunication.

I would than willingly know of those De­tructors who either Publickly or more privately, have indeavoured to Scan [...]lalize [...]o great a work [...] what kind of People they ex­pect to see a Church consist of? or when it will come to pass that some shall not be re­tained in Churches (who yet may be deemed [Page 27] an Holy People) whose Conversation may be grievous to the Church, though the Church can find no Expedient for their Excommuni­cation? I know that many who are in no measure qualified for Church Fellowship; think it no small disparagement to themselves, that Indians should be accounted worthy of what themselves cannot be admitted to: how it is in other places I know not, but here some, whose religious pretences have gained Credit abroad, and have not Scrupled to Stigmatize the Indians with greatest opprobry, in par­ticular cases of their complaint, the Indians have been found wholly innocent, and them­selves sordidly Vilanous: but when shall it be that the Seed of the Serpent shall cease to hiss at, and open their Mouthes against the Seed of the Woman? which yet I could de­monstrate, hath in several cases which have occurr'd here, against the Indians, broken the Serpents head▪ in his Children, and if it were possible filled them with Shame and Confusion: [...] however, the Sober Religious People here, have done, and doe, esteem them as Christians indeed; and although the building be not all of Living Stones, yet as it is an House, is so far esteemed an House of God: Insomuch that I have heard some Godly English, their Neighbours, Members of Churches; profess they were troubled, that their unacquainted­ness [Page 28] in their Language was such, that they could not well (but otherwise would gladly) partake with them, in the Ordinance of the Lords Supper.

I must acknowledge, that as the Number of the Indians are greatly decreased, so especi­ally of the Godly and Religious; it being a thing so obvious, that in the year 1690. of the Indians of Martha's Vineyard alone; of the number of more than one hundred Adult Persons that dyed, not less than three fourths, were of the Sober Religious Professors; that it was by the English Inhabitants vulgarly taken notice of: the which notwithstanding, in the year 1692. of the before mentioned Church, were remaining more than one hundred; with­out mentioning those many Confessors, before mentioned, whose Publick Declarations of their several Convictions, Temptations, and Reso­lutions to indeavour to Serve the true God, would have drawn Tears from the eyes of a­ny who had but in the Serious retirements of Consideration acknowledged a Deity.

I must not conclude before I tell the Rea­der, that as in the Ap [...]stolick times, the Church sent forth from among themselves, for the Con­version of the Nations, so these Indians on Martha's Vineyard did; not only to the Island of Nantucket, being about 1500. Adult Per­sons; [Page 29] but likewise to the Maine-land. Of those of Nantuket I shall subjoyn a Letter, from the Worshipfull John Gardner, who is well acquaint­ed with them, having divers years Assisted them in their Government, by instructing them in the Laws of England, and de [...]ding difficult cases among them.

[Page 31] Here we must take notice of Gods giving Success to the Ministry of the Indians; and acknowledge, that although there have been some decay, yet on that Island, there is not onely a Form, but in some measure the Power of Godliness.

So likewise on the Maine land; by the alone Ministry of the Martha's Vineyard Indians, was the Civilizing and Conversion of the Indians on the Ma [...]ne land, at a place called Succonet, and parts Adjacent: who as they were Con­verted by the Ministry, sent from the Church of Martha's Vineyard, so the Officers were by them (as likewise were those of Nantuket) Or­dained by laying on the hands of their Prosby­tery; of these although I have been no eye witness; yet I have received account, from even such who bare no great respect to Re­ligion, that they are as beyond Comparison, Exceeding the other Indians in morall Vertue; so likewise from other Juci [...]ous Persons, their Neighbours of whom I shall name, Mr. Wil­liam Vobes, a Person now representing the Free­holders o [...] those parts, in the Great and Ge­neral Assembly, of the Province of the [...] Bay in New England: nor have these People as yet dependance on, not Expeatati­on from any other than their Mother, the [...]

I have already told my Reader, that the Go­vernment of this People was the best of all Governments, Monarchy; and it has been judged not without reason, that a main obstruction in the progress of the Gospel in the American Plantations, was, if not yet is, the jealousy the Princes conceived of the Invasion of their Government through the pretences of Religion, and the Eclipsing their Monarchical Dignity.

The ever Honoured Thomas Mayhew there fore finding that the Princes on these Islands, who although they maintained their obsolute Power and [...] as Kings; were yet bound to doe certain Homage to a P [...]tent Prince on the Continent: and although they were no great People, yet had been wasted [Page 33] by Intestine Wars, wherein the great Princes on the Continent (not unlike European Prin­ces for like Reasons of State) were not unassist­ing, whereby they were necessitated to make these Princes the ballance to decide their Con­troversies, and several Jurisdictions, by pre­sents annually sent, whereby obliging the Princes to give their several Assistance as oc­casion required: and seeing his Son as afore­said in a zealous indeavour for their Con­version, he judged it meet that Moses and Aaron joyn hands; he therefore prudently [...] them know, that by order from his Master the King of England, he was to Govern the English which should inhabit these Islands; that his Master was in Power far above any of the Indian Monarches; but that as he was powerfull, so was he a great lover of Justice; that therefore he would in no measure invade their Jurisdictions; but on the contrary Assist them as need required; that Religion and Go­vernment were distinct things. Thus in no long time they conceived no ill Opinion of the Christian Religion.

When afterwards the number of the Christian Indians were increased among them, he per­swaded them to admit of the Counsils of the Judicious Christians among themselves, and in cases of more than ordinary consequence of [Page 34] a [...] for Tryal; when likewise he promised his Assistance and direction with the Prince; when notwithstanding the Princes assent was to be obtained, though he were no Christian. Thus within a few years there was a happy Government settled among them, and Records kept of all Actions and Acts passed in their several Courts, by such who having learned to Write fairly were appointed thereto. The Princes with their Sachims (or Nobles) made Publick acknowledgment of their Subjection to the King of England, being notwithstanding mindful to be understood as Subordinate Prin­ces, to Govern according to the Laws of God and the King. Here I shall take leave to in­sert two remarkables.

During the late unhappy War between the English and Indians in New England, about Nineteen years since; an Evil Spirit porfessed too many of our English, whereby they suffered themselves to be unreasonably exasperated a­gainst all Indians; of such there were some on these [...], who could hardly be so moderated [...] Mr. Mayhew, and others in Go­vernment with him, [...] to be restrained from rising to [...] the di [...]ming of the Indians; for whose satisfaction Capt. Richard Sarson Esq. was ordered with a small party (the Indians being on these Islands Twenty to one, having [Page 35] Arms) to Treat the Indians on the West end of Martha's Vineyard, who were mostly to be doubted: he returns with the in [...]uing an­swer▪ that the delivering their Arms would expose them to the will of the Indians ingaged in the present War, who were not less theirs than the Enemies of the English; that they had never given occasion of the distrust Inti­mated; if in any thing not hazarding their safety, they could give any Satisfaction for proof of their Fidelity, they would willingly attend what should reasonably be demanded of them; but they were unwilling to deliver their Arms, unless the English would propose some mean for their safety and livelyhood: with this return they drew a Writing in their own Language, which I have often read, and would have Verbatim inserted, but cannot at present find it; the Substance was, that as they had Submitted to the Crown of England, so they resolved to Assist the English on these Islands against their Enemies, which they esteem­ed in the same respect equally their own, as Subjects to the same King; which was Sub­cribed by the Persons of greatest note among them.

Having this answer the Government resolved, and accordingly [...] them [...], furnishing them with [...], and [Page 36] [...] them so faithful this even some [...] related, in observance [...] general instructions given them, so soon as they landed from the Continent, were immediately brought before the Governour, to attend his pleasure▪ inso­much that the English (although the W [...], with respect to the [...] of [...], and their advantage by the [...] to the French [...] no good aspect) took [...], but [...] the whole to the [...] [...] doubting to be advertised by them of any danger from the Enemy. This was the effect of the bringing the Gospel of Peace among them, Viz. a Peace-bringing Gospel.

The other observable I shall add to show as their Loyalty, so their observance of the Laws of England.

In the time of the late Revolution, when ma­ny in hopes there was no King in Israel, ex­pected to have done what they saw good in their own eyes: Several of our English threat­ning to fetch certain Sheep in possession of the Indians inhabiting a small Island Adjacent to Martha's Vineyard; which Sheep they asserted were Stolen from them, who met with repulse; the Sachim least there should happen any misunderstanding of that matter, immediately [Page 37] makes his report to me in these words, Viz. Several of your English have been on my Island, and would have [...] taken Sheep from [...], and we are much threatned therewith; I am doubtfull if they persist in that Resolution, it may Occasion Blood-shed: you know that while your Grand-father and my Father lived, there never happened any difference in such things, not hope will be Occasion given by me. I desire the [...] Amity may be continued, nor can the English say that we have not manifested [...] Allegiance to the King by a continued Subjection. And although it is true, we have desired your Order should come to us, rather than your Officer, which hath gene­rally been observed; yet we are willing in Case the English pretend any thing, ours have insured them in; let an Officer by writ from Autho­rity doe has duty; then we shall know how in an orderly way, to be relieved; yet shall the least Boy bringing your Order, as in your Grandfathers time, Command any thing: and if you see cause on any complaint about our Sheep, you may com­mand all of them; hoping to find as [...] a decision by the Rules of Justice: we hope we [...] not see (as is too much practiced in other places) an English man, pretending an Indian to be in his debt to come to our Houses and pay himself; or in other cases beat our People; but as [...] we may have equal Justice, being the Kings Sub­jects; and Violence and Riot committed on our [Page 38] People by the English may be esteemed of the [...] nature [...] quality as ours against them; of which, with the Justl [...], we pray you would Con­sider, and [...] speedy care.

I shall as to their Government only add; that in their several Plantations or Town-ships, they Elect three or more to joyn with the Sachims (or Lords of the place) who hold Courts, for [...] such Controversies as happen among them the Sochim presiding in such Courts, or [...] case he decline that Office, another is E­lected in his place: if either party dislike the Judgment given, he Appeals to a Superiour Court, which consists of some of the most esteemed of each place, being some of their Magistrates, where some Principal Sachims is Elected to preside for one year: and from this Court an Appeal lyes to the English Court. In giving Judgment, they observe such rules and orders made and recorded among them­selves. and the English Law, the knowledge whereof they much aspire unto. They have likewise some among them, whom the less a­ble to declare, or desend their own Cases, im­prove as [...]; some of which are to ad­miration Critical in their pleadings.

[Page 39] I shall close the whole when I have told the [...], that their Children are generally [...]aught to Read, and many to Write; in one of their Towns the last Winter, Viz. 1693. Thirty Chil­dren were at School, Twenty more of the same place, at the same time accidentally, being not supplyed with Books, could not attend it. Such who are too far distant from any School are often taught by some of their Neighbours; in diverse places are lesser Schools.